Monday, January 04, 2016

A few months ago, we reported that the auction of a now-closed landmark restaurant was unsuccessful, and we have now learned that a second auction is in the works for its "personal property," while the future of the building itself is now in question.

According to an article in the Taunton Daily Gazette, a new auction for Benjamin's restaurant will take place on January 14, with this one focusing on fixtures, furniture, kitchen equipment, and more rather than the actual building. The article mentions that Joseph Baptista, who is the president and chief executive of Mechanics Cooperative Bank has also filed an application for a demolition permit for the Bay Street property, just in case a buyer is not found and the only option left is to level it and possibly replace with with new development such as housing. (A September auction of the Benjamin's property was unsuccessful because none of the bids met the minimum amount set by the bank.)

[January 15 update: Wicked Local Mansfield states that the auction went through yesterday and that the Benjamin's building is now a "shell." Mechanics Cooperative Bank Senior Vice President Nancy E. Stokes indicates in the article that it will never be a restaurant again, while the article's headline says that the structure is now "likely" awaiting demolition.]

Benjamin's first opened in 1968, becoming a popular dining destination that offered a variety of classic American items in a formal environment as well as a space for various functions and events. The restaurant closed last May and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The address for the Benjamin's property is 698 Bay Street, Taunton, MA, 02780.